JOB DESCRIPTION
The position is offered within the project “Study of the impact of modification of the surface and composition of the fuel electrode on the efficiency of the co-electrolysis process of carbon dioxide and steam in solid oxide electrochemical cells and the rate and mechanism of their degradation” which received funding from the National Science Center Poland (NCN) in frame of SONATA-19 call. The project is led by Dr. Anna Niemczyk and is carried out at Department of High Temperature Electrochemical Processes IPE-NRI with collaboration with international partner - the Korean Institute of Energy Research (prof. Song).
Post-doctoral researcher will be directly involved in following project’s research task:
The Post-doc will participate in the construction of the numerical model, especially concerning the inclusion of the proposed surface and composition modification of the fuel electrode (WP3 - Development of a CFD-based numerical model of SOC cells working in the co-electrolysis mode, considering the proposed surface modifications, alternative composition and/or microstructure of the fuel electrode). The Researcher will be responsible for the interpretation of the results of the modeling and analysis of the prediction error of the modeling tool, as well as he/she will fine-tune the numerical model in order to develop the generalized description of the process (WP7 - Analysis of the results along with generalization of the numerical model - explanation of electrochemical processes and degradation mechanisms). The Post-doc will be also involved with WP4 (Electrochemical tests of the developed SOC cells in the co-electrolysis mode under various conditions with comprehensive analysis of the gained data) and WP5 (Long-term tests of SOC cells with a modified fuel electrode at selected operating points), during which other team members will gain data for validation of the developed model. He/she will participate in the analysis of the data from the theoretical standpoint of view as well as in the assessment of the statistical quality of collected data. The researcher will participate in the preparation of reports, publications, and conference presentations as well as will co-supervise Stipends, especially in the numerical research.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The workplace is 36 Augustówka Street, 02 981 Warsaw at the Department of High Temperature Electrochemical Processes. The candidate will be part of a research group with ten years of experience in the field of solid oxide cells. The group is supported by funds from national and international research projects, as well as collaboration with industry. Moreover, the team co-works with top-research groups worldwide on topics related to the hydrogen technologies. The laboratories of IPE-NRI’s are equipped with few testing rigs (measurement of single cells and SOC stack) and possesses all the necessary infrastructure to carry out the research in the highest standards.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
- The desired candidate should hold relevant education (power engineering, material engineering, chemistry, applied physics, process engineering or other),
- PhD degree in technical science or other fields directly related to the scope and methods of the project with the proviso that the obligatory formal criterion for admission to the competition is obtaining a doctoral degree in the year of employment in the project or in the period of 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project – i.e. 15/12/2023.
- Proven track record in numeration modeling and or CFD analysis of high-temperature electrochemical devices e.g. SOC with publications in journals from the TR Master Journal List is required.
- Experience in solid state chemistry/electrochemistry, theoretical and practical knowledge related to electrochemical processes, understanding of principles behind fuel cells and electrolyzers, hands-on experience with experimental techniques of solid state electrochemistry/material science, be familiar with, in operando techniques of high temperature electrochemistry/chemistry, EIS measurements and cyclic voltammetry.
- The Candidate's expertise has to cover a basic understanding of the modus operandi of the high-temperature electrochemical devices, both in terms of the electrochemistry and mass- and heat transportation to ensure sufficient quality of the collected data, as well as their implementation in the numerical model.
- Experience in previous work related to solid oxide cell (either fuel cell, SOFC or electrolysis, SOE) is compulsory.
- Candidate for the position has to demonstrate very good command of English, including publications of papers in recognized journals related to the field of the position. English command at least at level of B2 or equivalent is expected.
- Meeting formal requirements defined by the National Science Center (NCN) which apply for candidates for a post-doc position in the SONATA-19 call.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Full time position with contract till end of the project (July 2027, 20 months contract). Position of a Senior Researcher (adiunkt) in the Department of High Temperature Electrochemical Processes.
- Base salary: 11 666,66 PLN (including costs of employer).
- Supervision and mentorship by a team of internationally renowned experts
- Advanced training opportunities (skills, career)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Information about publications, patents, participation in conferences, involvement in projects and research activities, trainings, research stay, awards and recognitions related to research and scientific activities.
- Cover letter
- Copy of the diploma confirming PhD degree
- Declaration of agreement to process of personal data for recruitment purposes:
"I consent to the processing of my personal data for recruitment purposes in accordance with Article 6 1)( of Regulation ( 2016 679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing directive 95 46 /EC (General Data Protection Regulation)" - Declaration of meeting the formal requirements of the National Science Centre for the post-doctoral position in the project details to be found at https://www.ncn.gov.pl/aktualnosci/2023-03-24-komunikat-post-doc
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Current scientific achievements (publications and patents), assessed on a scale of 0-10 (criterion I).
- Participation in R&D works, scientific projects and cooperation with scientific units, assessed on a scale of 0-10 (criterion II).
- Result of the recruitment interview regarding issues related to the subject of the project, assessed on a scale of 0-10 (criterion III); please note that a candidate will be invited for an interview if they receive a total of at least 13 points in criteria I and II.
The minimum threshold is defined at 13 points for selection criteria I and II and at least 9 points for criteria III. If none of the candidates achieves higher score the call for candidates will be repeated.
How to apply
Please send the application documents by email
Candidates who will qualify to the interview will be contacted to schedule an online meeting. We reserve the right to run a competence test during the interview. No physical interviews are planned in the selection process. Incomplete applications and applications submitted after the above-mentioned deadline will not be considered, and applications of candidates who have not been employed in the project will be destroyed by the committee. Information on recruitment results will be made public in accordance with the regulations of the National Science Centre.